Lunar Construction...(Mars...?)
Metals stick together, and weld, in a vacuum.
The metals must be the same type,
and have no Oxide layer...
( Sand them in a vacuum. )
This would make building large structures
very easy, just join the mating surfaces.
The Moon has a near vacuum...
What about Mars ?
Robots would need dissimilar metals
for articulated joints.
Building pipe structures would be simple...
if...you have the correct parts...
Of course, your gauge blocks
would weld, instead of sticking
together by air pressure.
Gauge blocks (or slip gauges) are precision-ground metal or ceramic blocks used as fundamental length standards for calibrating measuring instruments and setting precise dimensions in manufacturing, featuring flat, parallel surfaces that can be "wringed" (stuck) together to create custom lengths with extreme accuracy, often down to millionths of an inch. They are essential for quality control, providing reliable standards for micrometers, calipers, and machine setups, with different grades (like Grade 0 for inspection) available for varying accuracy needs.
How They Work
Selection: Choose blocks that, when combined, form the desired length.
Wringing: Clean blocks thoroughly, then slide them together with a slight twisting motion; they will "wring" and stick due to intermolecular forces, creating a single, very accurate length standard.
Application: Use the assembled stack as a reference for measuring or calibrating other tools.
[Chuck's 00Cedar JPICedar ]
[ This page built with JPICedar by Chuck Darling; Wednesday, Jan 14th, 2026 Time : 2:35pm]
